Uefa

UEFA forging ahead with plans to increase value of women's footballThe Saigon Times Daily Olympique Lyonnais celebrate after winning the Champions League Final at Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine May 24, 2018 - PHOTO: REUTERS LONDON (REUTERS) - The Women's Champions League is beginning to step out of the shadow of its male counterpart with the ultimate aim of being as much of a must-see and commercially-attractive event, a UEFA official told Reuters on Tuesday. This season's final in Budapest will be the first time the showpiece, in its current format, will be held in a different city to the men's Champions League final. The decision was taken to allow the pinnacle of women's club football in Europe to have its own spotlight and not be overshadowed by the men's edition, which is one of the most viewed annual TV events in the world, surpassing the Super Bowl. The sponsorship and broadcast rights to the women's final are currently sold by UEFA, with the previous … [Read more...] about UEFA forging ahead with plans to increase value of women’s football

File photo of Luka Modric (centre) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) during the Champions League final. (AFP/Isabella BONOTTO) Ronaldo - the winner in each of the last two years - and Modric both starred for Real Madrid as the Spanish giants won the Champions League for the third year running, while the latter also won the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup after inspiring Croatia on their run to the final. Meanwhile, Egyptian star Salah scored 10 times as Liverpool made it to the Champions League final, before losing 3-1 to Real in Kiev. Salah was forced off with a shoulder injury in the first half of that game after a clash with Real defender Sergio Ramos. He also netted 32 goals in his debut Premier League season, with that tally a record for a 38-game campaign. Lionel Messi came fifth in the voting by a jury of 80 coaches from clubs who played in the Champions League and Europa League, as well as 55 journalists representing each UEFA member nation. The Barcelona star … [Read more...] about Ronaldo, Modric and Salah up for UEFA Player of the Year award

Collina steps down as UEFA's refereeing bossThe Saigon Times Daily FIFA Chairman of Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina gestures during a news conference in Moscow, Russia June 12, 2018 - PHOTO: REUTERS ZURICH (REUTERS) - Former World Cup final referee Pierluigi Collina has stepped down as UEFA’s refereeing boss after eight years for personal reasons, European soccer’s governing body said on Wednesday. The shaven-headed Italian is also head of FIFA’s refereeing committee, where he has been a firm supporter of the video assistant referee (VAR) system which was used at the World Cup for the first time this year. UEFA, on the other hand, has decided not to use VAR during this season’s Champions League, with its president Aleksander Ceferin saying the new technology still needs more time to be developed. There was no suggestion, however, that UEFA’s refusal to use VAR was behind Collina’s decision to step down from his role. “Pierluigi … [Read more...] about Collina steps down as UEFA’s refereeing boss

UEFA extended former France international Samir Nasri's doping ban from six to 18 months on Wednesday (Aug 1) over the intravenous drip treatment he received at a Los Angeles clinic in 2016. Samir Nasri (pictured in 2016), who is currently without a club, was suspended for six months in February 2018 for violating WADA doping rules, but the ban has been extended to 18 months. (AFP/CRISTINA QUICLER) The 31-year-old, who is currently without a club, was suspended for six months in February after taking a multi-vitamin booster in contravention of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules. The ban was backdated to Jul 1, 2017, meaning the ex-Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder will be cleared to return next January. He can resume training with a club at the start of November. Nasri had the drip treatment while he was on loan at Sevilla during the 2016-17 season, prompting the Spanish anti-doping agency to open an investigation. He retroactively appealed to UEFA to grant him a … [Read more...] about UEFA increases Nasri doping ban from six to 18 months

Marseille coach Rudi Garcia. — Photo alalay.com Viet Nam News Football PARIS — French giants Marseille were warned on Wednesday they could be kicked out of European competition if their fans continue to wreak havoc. After numerous incidents in last season’s Europa League in games against RB Leipzig, Salzburg and even in the final with Atletico Madrid, governing body UEFA have put the club on a two-year probation period. If similar incidents occur again, "Marseille (will be excluded) from participating in the next UEFA club competition for which it will otherwise qualify". Marseille were sanctioned for crowd disturbances, acts of damage, setting off of fireworks and throwing of objects in last season’s European campaign, said UEFA in a statement. The club, who have also been fined 100,000 euros (US$116,925), will play in the Europa League in the forthcoming season. However, one home game at their Stade Velodrome will be played behind closed doors while the … [Read more...] about UEFA threaten Marseille with European ban